UFC 157 play by play and live results

ANAHEIM, Calif. – MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC 157 event.

The event, which features UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche, takes place at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:35 p.m. ET (3:35 p.m. PT) for the preliminary card and 10 p.m. ET for the main card.

Round 1 – Jason Herzog oversees the action for tonight’s opening bout, which features a couple of Strikeforce welterweight crossovers making their UFC debuts. It’s a fight that was scheduled to happen at Strikeforce’s September show, which was canceled. Burrell jumps into a right hand, then follows it with a combo. But Villefort catches a Burrell kick and uses it for a trip takedown. Villefort quickly goes after Burrell’s back and gets it. He gets a rear-naked choke and it looks good, though Burrell defends initially and slips out of it for the time being. But with a lot of time left and Villefort draped all over his back, he’s got some trouble to get out of. Burrell tries to get back to his feet and does nicely, then just misses with a right hand as Villefort tries to get it back to the ground. Villefort wants it on the ground, but Herzog stands him up when Burrell won’t jump back into jiu-jitsu dangerland. Burrell lands a good body kick, then one to the outside leg. But Villefort answers with a whipping leg kick of his own. Right hand from Burrell is partially blocked, but a left sneaks through. Body-head from Burrell is good, and the two soon trade a couple punches each. But right after, Burrell lands a big right hand that drops Villefort. He has him in trouble with punches, but Villefort is going after a leg lock. Somehow, Burrell escapes it and gets out, and the two soon trade furiously on the feet with Burrell landing the bigger punches and some elbows. It’s a close first round that Burrell may have had the striking edge in, but MMAjunkie.com will score a tight one for Villefort, 10-9.

Round 2 – Burrell opens up with a good left hand, then counters Villefort with a right. Villefort lands a left to the body and follows behind it with a leg kick, then another. He looks for it again, but then backs out when Burrell looks like he’s about to throw a bomb of a counter. Burrell soon after lands nicely again and Villefort is on the canvas for a moment. Back up, Villefort just misses a front kick, then eats a big uppercut from Burrell. High kick from Villefort is blocked, but he throws a left to the body. Then Burrell comes forward and lands a jab and uppercut midway through the round. Villefort continues to work to the body, and the two tie up and trade knees in the first real clinch of the fight. Good leg kick from Burrell nearly takes Villefort’s lead leg out from under him. Villefort again tries to punish Burrell’s left leg. Burrell ducks nicely away from a pair of uppercuts, then catches a kick and lands a good jab. Villefort’s nose is bloodied up as the round ticks down. It’s another close one, but MMAjunkie.com sees the second for Burrell, 10-9.

Round 3 – Villefort opens with a leg kick, then ducks under a punch – but right into Villefort taking him down. He goes right after a rear-naked choke, but loses it. Burrell gets on top for just a moment, but Villefort tries to regain control too late, and Burrell is back to his feet. Burrell misses a right hand and again Villefort takes him down. He works around to Burrell’s back and holds on to him, and Burrell pops back to his feet for a moment. Then he goes after a heel hook – but eats more than a dozen punches to the face from Burrell. Herzog looks in closely. Villefort has to let off, and he’s taken a lot of punishment for nothing. Burrell grabs hold of a guillotine, but Villefort slips out. But back on the feet, Burrell again goes after the choke. He can’t keep it, but he looks exhausted against the fence as Burrell tries to wear him down with 90 seconds left. The break apart with about a minute left. Villefort again tries to go to the ground, but Burrell won’t stay there – and back on the feet, Burrell lands a front kick to the face, then a right hand. But Villefort is cominb forward like a zombie, and looks a little like one too with blood all over his face. Again Villefort wants to go the ground late, but can’t get it there. They’ll slug it out for the last 10 seconds. MMAjunkie.com scores the last round for Burrell 10-9 and sees the fight for him 29-28. Nah-Shon Burrell def. Yuri Villefort via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

NEIL MAGNY VS. JON MANLEY

Round 1 – Referee Herb Dean oversees this welterweight fight. Pawing jabs to open as they feel out the reach. Manley moves inside on a clinch and pushes the action to the cage. He pulls Manley to the floor but can’t keep the action there. The rotate positions on the cage, and it’s Manley again pushing in from the outside. Magny defends well against the cage as Manley continues to look to take the fight to the floor. Two minutes in, and Manley is grinding for the takedown. Boos come in from the crowd. Manley trips his opponent to the floor, but Magny pops immediately back to his feet. Magny circles off and lands a few knees and then scores a right when they break. There are 90 seconds left. Magny with a stiff jab. A few more crisp punches land for Magny. He pushes inside and lands a knee before Manley circles off and looks again for the takedown. He can’t get it, and he looks a bit frustrated. Magny tags him with a few more punches in the final seconds, and MMAjunkie.com gives it to Magny, 10-9, for his late striking attacks.

Round 2 – Magny takes the center and lands an early low kick. Manley starts pushing forward and striking, but Magny avoids it well and lands a few crisp counters. Manley again looks for the takedown, and this time he’s able to take the action to the floor. He sets up on top position, but Magny hits a slick sweep from underneath and rolls to the top before rising to his feet. Manley again pushes in against the cage and looks for the takedown. Magny circles off and lands a few thudding knees to the body. Elbows score, too, and he backs away before pushing back and scoring a takedown of his own. Magny in side control. Manley does a good job of recovering half guard and nearly sneaks out the back door. Instead, he works up to his knee and then his feet. Manley continues to drop levels and search for the takedown, but Magny doing a great job of defending and then countering with crisp punches in bunches. Final minute of the round. They hit the deck again, and Magny is grinding away with punches. Knees score as Manley works to his feet, and the bell sounds. MMAjunkie.com sees it again for Magny, 10-9.

Round 3 – Magny looks relaxed to open the final round. Manley pressing forward, but Magny using his range well and striking from the outside. To his credit, Manley is trying to keep the pressure high, but he’s struggling to land anything of consequence. Magny pushes forward as they clinch and scores a takedown. Magny looking to attack from the top, but Manley rolls and turns for an armbar. He was pressed against the cage but somehow sneaks in the legs and is threatening for the comeback submission. Magny remains very calm on top and patiently pushes the hips down and pulls his arm out of danger. Magny eventually gets it completely free and looks to punch from top. Magny lands several right hands from the top. He gets a warning for holding the cage, and Manley scrambles up to his feet. Final minute. Magny wraps the body and is still pushing for that takedown. It’s not coming. Magny lands a few elbows inside, and Dean separates them for one last striking sequence. Crisp punches from Magny seal the result. Bell sounds, and MMAjunkie.com gives the final round to Magny, 10-9, awarding him the fight 30-27. Neil Magny def. Jon Manley via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

BROCK JARDINE VS. KENNY ROBERTSON

Round 1 – Referee John McCarthy in the cage. Traded low kicks to start. Robertson quickly back in scores a takedown, but Jardine latches immediately on to an arm-in guillotine. It looks tight, but Robertson works through it and eventually pulls his head free after a few tense moments. Slick pass to the side, and Jardine turns to expose his back. Robertson takes the back and sneaks in a few punches. Jardine trying to turn in and change his fortunes, but Robertson is in complete control. Jardine moves again, but Robertson sneaks the arm under the chin. It’s not quite there. Jardine in trouble but defending well. Robertson eventually gives up the choke but stays right on the back. Robertson very high on the back, but he turns to his side and attacks the left leg. Slick submission attempt from an odd angle, but it’s in and putting obvious pressure on the knee and hamstring. Wow. Quick tap from Jardine. Kenny Robertson def. Brock Jardine via submission (kneebar) – Round 1, 2:57

CAROS FODOR VS. SAM STOUT

Round 1 – Referee Jason Herzog oversees this lightweight fight as we go live on FX. Fodor forward with punches, and Stout looks to tie him up. Knees inside by Fodor. They battle in the clinch before Stout pulls away. Fodor pushing forward with punches, but he walks into two crisp straights. Still, he walks forward and drags Stout to the floor. Pressure early from Fodor, but Stout pops up and nearly takes the back. Fodor turns in to avoid that. Stout backs away to reset, but Fodor right back on top of him with more strikes. Back and forth in the clinch early. Fodor looks for a trip, but Stout avoids it and counters with his own. Stout working from Fodor’s guard. He steps over the right leg of his opponent. Stout trying to advance, and he does push into mount with less than a minute. Punches come in, and Fodor exposes his back. Stout takes it and then rolls out for an armbar. It’s a slick setup, but he’s running out of time. Fodor survives, but MMAjunkie.com gives Stout the opening round, 10-9.

Round 2 – Fodor quickly forward with punches again to open. He moves inside and looks for a trip that doesn’t come. Stout absorbs the early barrage and spins off the cage. He pulls back, but Fodor immediately hits him with a crisp right. Solid, but Stout pushes through it. They continue to jockey for position in the clinch, and Stout backs away to reset. Fodor walks forward, but Stout doing well with shots to the body and a few front kicks to the gut. Fodor pressuring, but Stout rifling off combinations. He looks very comfortable as we reach the halfway mark. Fodor’s corner calls for the jab. Stout circling well, but he eats a few hard left hooks. Fodor still with pressure, and he’s landing more frequently. Good exchanges from both fighters. Stout mixing in kicks with his combinations, and he’s the busier fighter. Still, Fodor is having success wit power shots. Final minute of the frame, and they’re back into the clinch. Fodor gets a late takedown, and while it’s a close round, MMAjunkie.com leans toward Stout again, 10-9.

Round 3 – Stout opens early with strikes, and they move quickly into a clinch again. Stout circles off the fence, and Fodor hits a trip. But Stout refuses to stay on the floor. Fodor still walking forward and looking to engage. He gets a takedown, but there’s very little control with the position. Stout looking to walk back to his feet, and he does shortly after. Fodor stays tight on the body. Herzog calls for action, and Fodor does score a takedown, but Stout will not stay on the mat. He’s right back up. Final two minutes of the fight. Herzog again calls for action, and Stout backs away. Fodor moving inside and landing punches. Stout answering back, but Fodor doing solid work, and he lands a clean right. Stout doesn’t look hurt, but Fodor is scoring some points. Knees in the clinch from both. Final seconds ticking away, and the round ends there. MMAjunkie.com gives the final round to Fodor, 10-9, but gives the fight to Stout 29-28. Second round could be key to scores. Sam Stout def. Caros Fodor via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).

DENNIS BERMUDEZ VS. MATT GRICE

Round 1 – Referee Herb Dean in the cage for this featherweight matchup. Bermudez with an early low kick and an overhand right as they move into the clinch. Grice circles off the cage. He tries for a trip, but Bermudez counters perfectly and falls into mount. He’s got Grice’s right arm trapped, a swell, so Bermudez tees off with punches. Grice in trouble, but he stays tight and sneaks out the back. Bermudez tries to latch the neck, and Grice scores a takedown. They pop immediately back to the feet. Grice eventually pulls away. He lands crisp left on the restart. Bermudez drives in for a takedown, but it’s Grice who lands inside. Good stuff from Grice right now, but Bermudez bounces back with a flurry of his own. Grice pushes in, but Grice drops him with a left hook. Somehow he gets back to his feet. Grice catches a kick and blasts him with a straight right. Big stuff from Grice. No clue how Bermudez is still standing. Spinning kick tot the body fro Grice. Round ends, and MMAjunkie.com gives it to Grice after being in trouble early.

Round 2 – Quick work again, and Grice clips Bermudez to start. He climbs up to his feet after staggering. Bermudez fires with power, but Grice is right there to answer with crisp strikes. Stiff jab from Grice, and Bermudez again slips a bit. Grice tries to secure the neck, but they separate. Pace is still high, but Grice getting the best of it. Grice gets a takedown and tries to move around to the back. Bermudez does a good job of turning into the position. Grice does have a little blood coming from his forehead on the hair line. Less than two minutes. They break to reset, and Bermudez is just a little bit slow in the exchanges. They move into the clinch again. Bermudez pressuring and moving forward, looking to press the action. Grice drives in for a takedown. He misses it, and Bermudez hits him with a knee. It’s illegal, but they fight on. Bermudez tries to lock in a choke in the final seconds, but he runs out of time. Another fun round, but MMAjunkie.com leans again toward Grice, 10-9.

Round 3 – Bermudez comes out aggressive and drops Grice in the early going. He pounces for the finish. Punches coming from the top. Grice tries to scramble up and somehow does get back to his feet. Great heart for Grice. On the feet, they tee off. Bermudez is landing flush with right hands and elbows. He’s in trouble. Bermudez blasting away on the feet. Dean letting him feet, but Grice is wobbling against the cage. Grice drops for a leg and slows things down. Crowd goes nuts in an absolute war. Halfway mark of the final frame. Grice slowing things down against the cage. Unbelievable work from both fighters. Bermudez slips on a low kick. Grice has absorbed an incredible amount of damage in this round. Bermudez backs away and just tees off with right hands. No clue how Grice is standing. Bermudez nearly loses is mouthpiece. He pushes it back in and knees the body. Final minute. Grice is in absolute survival mode. Bermudez looks up at the clock. Grice battles back with a knee and punch that bring a smile. Strikes exchanged in the final seconds. Unbelievable. Bell sounds with the crowd going nuts. Standing ovation for an absolute war. Incredible. MMAjunkie.com gives the final round to Bermudez, 10-9, but gives the fight to Grice, 29-28. Judges disagree. Dennis Bermudez def. Matt Grice via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).

MIKE CHIESA VS. ANTON KUIVANEN

Round 1 – Referee John McCarthy in the cage. Chiesa passes on a glove touch. Kuivanen digs the body. Chiesa looking to use his reach early. Kuivanen pumping right hands to answer. Both fighters busy with strikes to open. Southpaw Chiesa landing with his rear hand, and he slips on a high kick. Two minutes in. Chiesa kicks to the body. Kuivanen pushes inside, and Chiesa grabs a Thai clinch. Kuivanen still pushing inside, but Chiesa defending well against the cage as they battle for control. Kuivanen seems to be the more powerful fighter, and he lands a right hand. Chiesa smiles and moves away. Left hook by Kuivanen, and Chisa drops his hands. Kuivanen gets overconfident on a flying knee, and Chiesa takes him down. Still, Kuivanen pulls up to his feet and moves into the clinch. Round ends there, and MMAjunkie.com gives it slightly to Kuivanen, 10-9.

Round 2 – Chiesa still looking to strike from distance. Kuivanen fires a right, and Chiesa slips under it and looks for a takedown. Kuivanen defends well against the cage, but Chiesa continues to wrap the left leg in hopes of bringing the fight to the floor. Kuivanen remains upright. But as he defends, the lanky Chiesa slips around to the back. Kuivanen tries to scramble free. Slick work from Chiesa. He’s on the back. Legs are firm around the body. Chiesa hunting for the choke. He switches arms. Kuivanen keeping his chin tucked, but Chiesa continues to work for the hold. He finally gets in, and Kuivanen holds out as long as he can before finally tapping. Slick moves for the finish. Mike Chiesa def. Anton Kuivanen via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:29.

LAVAR JOHNSON VS. BRENDAN SCHAUB

Round 1 – Referee Jason Herzog in there for this heavyweight bout. Johnson walks forward looking to strike, but Schaub takes him immediately to the floor. Johnson tries to create some room, but Schaub locks in a choke. Johnson’s left arm is free, and is firing some big punches, but Schaub seems to have an anaconda choke. It looks like it might be in, but Johnson keeps punching. Schaub eventually has to let it go, but he’s still in top control. Johnson rolls to his knees and to his feet. Schaub trying hard to stay tight. He does, but Johnson surprises with a trip. Schaub turns to a leg and uses it as a sweep to work back to the top. Johnson trying to punch again from his back. Schaub patient on top. He’s trying to work his right leg free. Herzog warns him to get busy, but Johnson scrambles up. Schaub immediately scores another takedown. Round ends there, and MMAjunkie.com scores it for Schaub, 10-9.

Round 2 – Schaub quickly back inside. He does not want to exchange with Johnson, who digs to the body. Clinch position, and knees are traded. Schaub again scores a takedown, and he’s in half-mount right away. Fans aren’t digging Schaub’s approach, but it’s pretty obvious he doesn’t want to trade with Johnson. Herzog calls again for action. Schaub does get his leg free, but Johnson rolls to try and prevent his opponent from mounting. Herzog calls for the stand-up, and Johnson looks to throw hands. Schaub slips a big punch and drives in for a takedown. Johnson stays upright, but Schaub drops levels and drives through for a takedown. Crowd doesn’t like it, but Schaub is scoring points. Herzog does let him know he wants action, and Schaub tries to advance position. Johnson keeping the half-guard tight, and Herzog calls again for more work. Round ends with Schaub on top, and MMAjunkie.com gives him the round again, 10-9.

Round 3 – Schaub jabs and retreats. Johnson wants o trade. He misses a right hand, and Schaub slips it for a takedown. Crowd goes crazy at the strategy, but Schaub is keeping control. Herzog doesn’t give him much of a leash, and we’re back on the feet. Not for long, as Schaub immediately scores another takedown. This time Schaub gets to mount, but Johnson does a fine job of regaining half-guard underneath. Schaub tries to set up an arm-triangle underneath, but Johnson feels it and shakes it off. Less than two minutes. Johnson has full guard, but he needs to get to his feet. Schaub stands and pushes past the guard. He tries again to secure a choke, but Johnson stays safe. Still, he can’t get to his feet, and Schaub is controlling the action with ease. Herzog still calling for action as time winds down. Crowd hates it, but Schaub takes the final round on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9, earning the fight 30-27. Brendan Schaub def. Lavar Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

JOSH KOSCHECK VS. ROBBIE LAWLER

Round 1 – Referee Herb Dean in the cage as we go live on pay-per-view. Koscheck comes in quickly. He fakes a takedown, and Lawler slips, but he’s right back up. Lawler trying to time a big hook, but Koscheck slips under and drives in for the takedown. Lawler underneath but works back up to his feet. Koscheck controlling the head and tries to drag the action back to the floor. Koscheck bleeding from the nose early. Still, he stays tied to the body and gets Lawler again to the floor. Lawler tries to climb up, and Koscheck steps over with one leg trying to get the back. Lawler defends well, so Koscheck pulls back around and keeps top position. Crowd doesn’t like it. Lawler gets to his feet, but Koscheck is on his leg and refuses to let go. Dean calls or action. Lawler lands a few knees inside. Koscheck drives in, but he’s on his knees. Lawler lands a big punch, and Koscheck looks stunned. Four more punches come in, and Koscheck’s head bobs form the blows. Dean steps in, and Koscheck doesn’t like the call. Robbie Lawler def. Josh Koscheck via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:57.

COURT MCGEE VS. JOSH NEER

Round 1 – Referee John McCarthy in the octagon for this welterweight fight. McGee fires early punches and a kick. Quick start. Neer blocks it and looks to return fire. McGee flurying early and hitting the mark. Neer stands in the pocket and fires back. Neer lands a nice overhand right to the ear. McGee jarred but returns fire. Neer controlling the center. McGee chops the legs and then staggers Neer with a left. McGee is extremely busy. Neer kicks the legs. He’s controlling the center and walking forward, but McGee more effective to start. McGee goes o the body and then up top. He’s putting flurries together. Nice left hand scores. McGee kicks the body and the legs. Neer is willing to trade shots in the pocket, but his face is reddened already as McGee is outworking him. McGee kicks the body, and Neer is hurt.He’s crumbling. McGee with punches and Neer hits the floor. McGee thinks choke but settles for punches. Time winding down. Neer may survive. McGee for the choke, but he can’t secure it. Round ends, and it’s all McGee on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9.

Round 2 – McGee takes the center and looks to attack. Neer covering up against the cage and looking to land a bomb. McGee continues to work kicks to the body. McGee with constant pressure, and he is in complete control. Neer tough as nails and trying to answer back, but he’s getting outpaced. Neer blocks a high kick and waves McGee in for more. He’s trying to time a perfect counter. Neer with lead left hands scoring some points. Neer picking up the volume. McGee looking to retreat and answer, but Neer is actually stealing a little momentum. McGee still retreating. He’s not hurt, but Neer is starting to beat him to the punch. McGee kicks the body again. Final minute of the round, and Neer lands a few left hooks. McGee firing back in the pocket, but he seems to have lost a little zip. Neer’s face busted up, but he’s smiling and trading. Knee for Neer, and the round ends. Better work from Neer, and MMAjunkie.com gives him the round, 10-9, in a close one.

Round 3 – McGee starts quickly with a kick to the body. He follows with a punch, as well. Neer looks ready for a solid final round, but McGee has again picked up the pace. McGee misses on a high kick, but he pushes into the clinch. Nothing happening there as they jockey for position, and they break. Both fighters comfortable in the pocket. McGee drops a level and scores a takedown. Neer tries to scramble up, and McGee looks to take his back. Neer peels him off well but can’t create any space. McGee stays tight and scores another takedown. Neer forced to pull guard as McGee starts to punch from the top. McGee postures up and looks to pound away. Neer starts to tie up the leg in hopes of a submission. McGee pulls easily away and slips around to the back. Time winding down in the final minute. Neer rolls and remains strong in defense, but McGee is racking up points with time in dominant position. Fight ends with McGee on top, and MMAjunkie.com gives him the final round, 10-9, earning him the fight 29-28. Court McGee def. Josh Neer via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

URIJAH FABER VS. IVAN MENJIVAR

Round 1 – Referee Jason Herzog oversees this bantamweight matchup. California crowd is firmly behind Faber. Faber pushes forward and slips an overhand as he changes stances. Menjivar scores a slick toss to the floor, but Faber handles it perfectly and sweeps over to the top. Faber in side control. Menjivar scrambles underneath and gets quickly to full guard. Menjivar turns his hips, but Faber feels it and keeps control from top, landing a few short elbows. Faber seems comfortable hanging out in guard as he lands short shots from the top. Menjivar trying to scramble a bit and create opportunities, but Faber stays out of trouble. Faber postures and does eat an upkick, but he pushes back in and lands a few strong punches. Faber very busy with sharp elbows. Menjivar pushes Faber away and scrambles up, but Faber with a brilliant transition over to the back on a standing opponent. Great move, and he puts the choke on. Slick work, and the crowd comes alive. Menjivar looks for an escape but has to tap. Urijah Faber def. Ivan Menjivar via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:34.

DAN HENDERSON VS. LYOTO MACHIDA

Round 1 – Referee Herb Dean in the cage for tonight’s co-main event. Crowd electric as they meet in the center. Henderson with an early low kick. Machida staying at distance early. Henderson kicks the leg again and reaches with a right that misses. Henderson holding the center. He again leads with a low kick into a right that misses. Machida pawing and looking for the rhythm. Henderson just measuring that right hand. Halfway mark, and the crowd wants both to pick up the pace. Henderson tries to rush in with the right, but Machida moves away. Henderson briefly moves into the clinch, but Machida pulls away. Henderson continues to reach for the right hand, but he can’t score. Machida lands a right and avoids the counter. Henderson starting to reach a bit, but he does land. Machida kicks the leg. Henderson gets into a bodylock but lets it go. Clinch in the closing seconds. Machida with a trip and then several punches from the top at the bell. With really the only dominant moment of the round, Machida claims the round on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9.

Round 2 – Henderson kicks he leg. Machida kicks to the body, and Henderson staggers a bit as he moves forward. Machida with the front kick, and Henderson again misses as he tries to leap forward with right hands. Machida comfortable fighting at distance and keeping Henderson’s power away. Machida’s knee is reddened from the blows, but he’s doing a good job of countering and keeping Henderson from scoring with a power shot. Knees inside. Henderson slips as he’s looking to land that right. More leg kicks for Henderson, but he walks into a right. Machida lands a knee to the body, and he’s scoring frequently with that. Henderson lands a left hand. Final minute. Henderson is moving forward and trying to score, but Machida staying clear of any real damage. Henderson moving forward, but MMAjunkie.com likes Machida’s technical work at range, 10-9.

Round 3 – Henderson moves forward to start, but Machida still avoids damage and scores with the counter. Henderson moves in, and Machida slips as he counters. That allowed Henderson to settle into top position early in the round. Machida has a closed guard underneath. Machida breaks his grip and tries to turn, but Henderson sneaks in a few punches. That forces Machida to hold tight and hope for a stand-up. Dean does call for action, and so Henderson tries to get busy with short punches and elbows. Crossface for Henderson, who’s trying to create some room. Machida looks to take the arm, and that allow him to create space and scramble up. Machida kicks low a few times as they reset before switching to orthodox. Boos coming in from the crowd as we get to the final minute. Close rounds up to this point may leave some questions. Machida in the center, and he lands several kicks form the outside. Henderson misses on a right hand. He wants the big punch, but it doesn’t come. Bell sounds, and both fighters raise their hands. MMAjunkie.com gives the final round to Henderson in what again was a close round, but awards the fight to Machida, 29-28. Might be some weird scores here. Lyoto Machida def. Dan Henderson via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).

CHAMP RONDA ROUSEY VS. LIZ CARMOUCHE

Round 1 – Referee John McCarthy in the cage for the evening’s main event, the first-ever female bout in UFC history. Rousey presses forward and walks through punches to move into the clinch. She wraps the head briefly and looks for the toss. It doesn’t come, but she drags Carmouche to the floor. Carmouche somehow works free and actually moves to the back as Rousey stands. Rousey supporting the full weight as Carmouche is on the back. Carmouche works to get the right hand under the chine. It’s not there, but Carmouche cranks the face. Rousey fights through it, shakes her off and resets. Tense moments for the champ. Rousey stands over her opponent. Two minutes in. Carmouche tries to attack the leg. Rousey spins through it and turns to side control. Carmouche tries to kick her legs high and slip over to the back. Rousey wrapping the head and firing in short left hands. Rousey controlling the position right now, but Carmouche working hard to flip over and reverse the position. Instead, Rousey slips over o mount and sets up the armbar. Carmouche keeps her hands locked as they roll over. Time ticking down. Rousey trying hard to pull the arm free. She finally does, and Carmouche has to tap. Incredible debut for the ladies. Ronda Rousey def. Liz Carmouche via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:49 to retain women’s bantamweight title.

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is probably the greatest female fighter on the planet, which is a tremendous feat. So why are we seemingly so obsessed with arguing about whether she could beat up men?